Berrycoombe believe that all children and young people should have equal access to education, regardless of what is happening at home and that no child should have to take on inappropriate or excessive caring responsibilities.
Young Carers are children and young people who often take on practical and/or emotional caring responsibilities for a family member due to illness, disability, mental health problems or an addiction. The tasks undertaken can vary according to the nature of the illness or disability, the level and frequency of need for care and the structure of the family as a whole.
A Young Carer may do some or all of the following:
- Practical tasks, such as cooking, housework and shopping.
- Physical care, such as lifting, helping a parent on stairs or with physiotherapy.
- Personal care, such as dressing, washing, helping with toileting needs.
- Managing the family budget, collecting benefits and prescriptions.
- Administering medication.
- Looking after younger siblings.
- Emotional support.
- Interpreting, due to a hearing or speech impairment or because English is not the family’s first language.
Some Young Carers may undertake high levels of care, whereas for others it may be frequent low levels of care. Either can impact heavily on a child or young person.
Nicola Donnithorne is the Senior Leadership Team member and Strategic Lead for Young Carers in the School.
Claire Johnson is the Designated Link for Young Carers and she liaises with relevant staff, family and other outside agencies to provide help and support where required. Where appropriate, Berrycoombe Young Carers are referred to Kernow Young Carers to enable additional support for the student outside of school.
The whole school is committed to meeting the needs of young carers so that they can attend and enjoy school in the same way as other pupils/students and achieve their potential. If you would like to know more or for extra support, then please speak to one of the Young Carers team as pictured below who can be found in the front office.
We meet every other Wednesday at 12.30pm where we take part in an activity and a time to talk and support each other.